The Lost Cajun, a family-friendly restaurant focused on authentic Cajun food and southern hospitality, has announced a new location near Chattanooga in East Ridge. This will be the third restaurant currently under development in the Volunteer State and is slated to open in fall 2019. Founded by Louisiana-native Raymond “Griff” Griffin, The Lost Cajun is eyeing up to 15 additional locations throughout the state.
The new restaurant will be owned and operated by Thomas and Melissa Finch, East Ridge locals.
They are eyeing the Jordan Crossing development outside of interstate 75 and Camp Jordan Park for their location.
“We have taken many fishing trips to Louisiana, and we fell in love with the fishing and the food,” Mr. Finch said. “When we started to consider opening our own business, we decided we wanted to bring that Cajun feel home with us. We can be on vacation without ever leaving home.”
Mr. Finch is an East Ridge native and a 15-year veteran of the East Ridge fire department, and Ms. Finch has been working as a travel agent in the area for the last 35 years. Mr. Finch and his friends spent many summers fishing just south of Houma, La., which inspired the couple to bring a Cajun option to their community.
“It is important to us to be a part of the positive growth in East Ridge, and it’s exciting to see all of the new opportunities that are coming to the community,” Ms. Finch added. “Being able to give back to our neighbors through our own business is something new for us, but we are excited to be a part of it.”
The Lost Cajun’s menu offers diners a sampling of traditional Cajun fare, including a variety of gumbos – seafood, chicken and sausage, and vegetarian. Red beans and rice, fried seafood, crawfish etouffee and lobster bisque also top the menu, as does another Cajun staple, jambalaya. And what Cajun restaurant would be complete without beignets for dessert?
The Lost Cajun’s rustic interior is reminiscent of homespun Louisiana supper clubs. It features wooden tables, Bayou inspired wall art and a playlist of Zydeco music. The open kitchen concept will allow diners to witness the kitchen crew creating Cajun fare without barriers. True southern hospitality is evident in the staff’s commitment to refill glasses and smile while saying, “may I,” and “thank you.”
“It is exciting to watch our presence in Tennessee grow, and we’re excited to bring The Lost Cajun to a new community,” said Raymond Griffin, founder and CEO of The Lost Cajun. “We’re thrilled to continue to find enthusiastic franchisees like Thomas and Melissa who are committed to our culture and mission of authentic Cajun food and hospitality.”
The statewide expansion comes at a time when The Lost Cajun continues to expand its national footprint. Today, there are 23 locations open and operating in six states, more than half (13) of which opened last year alone. The brand is on track to develop more than 30 stores over the next three-five years.